Domain Rentals

How To Register A Domain Name

Do not feel ashamed if you are wondering how to register a domain name. The gurus make the process sound so easy, but if a person is completely new to Web design, they may not know which steps to take. However, once you know this information, you will be registering domain names left and right, as the process can become quite addictive.

In any case, to register a domain name, one must find a hosting provider. Godaddy and Network Solutions are two of the most popular, though they are not necessarily the cheapest. If you go to a lesser-known company, you might be able to get domains for 1.99 or less. There are also entities like dot.tk that provide domain names for free. In exchange, you must agree to an unusual extension andor use a subdomain. Neither looks as professional as a .com, but they are a good alternative for blogs or personal websites.

After you have chosen your provider, you must use their text field to enter in your chosen domain name. Unless your business demands it, try not to be too creative at this stage. What matters is whether a domain name has SEO value. Keyword analyzers can help you make such a determination. Simply copy and paste what comes up. Now submit the domain, while making sure it has a .com extension. If the domain name is taken, you have one of three options

1) Try another term from your keyword analyzer
2) Use one of the suggested terms given to you by your provider
3) Use the term with an alternative extension

Option 3 works best if you can land a .net or .biz extension, as they are gaining more recognition. A .mobi extension is another alternative if you do not mind limiting your site to the cell phone market.

Once you have made the right selection, the hosting provider will grant you with a domain name. It may take 24 hours for it to go through, but once that time has passed, you can connect it to your website. If your hosting is integrated with your domain name, the URL will connect to your site automatically.

However, be aware that learning how to register a domain name does not end with what you have read here. This is because a catchy domain means nothing if it is attached to a boring website. Fortunately, there are site builders you can use if you do not know how to build one from scratch. In fact, most providers that offer domain names also have built-in templates you can use to create your website. Even more interesting is the concept of domain name parking. While you are building your site, the provider will list a page of ads that relate to your chosen domain. If someone clicks on these ads, you make money. In other words, if you play your cards right, you can actually make money with domain name registration. Granted, you do not want to keep your site at the construction stage, but if it takes you a week or two to get things together, at least you will be compensated for your efforts.